Category Archives: STS

At the eve of 2012, it is my turn to say goodbye to the community as a president of BABA. I, along with EC of 2012, wanted to see the community culturally active. The word ‘culture’ is very subjective. In a very simple way, we can explain it as a media that is very close to our hearts. It is obvious that we can breathe comfortably when our surroundings are very familiar to us. That is why we try to feel our roots by simulating the environment of our back home through the media of culture. Like any other species in this world, culture also evolves. Our taste is different from our previous generation and so is true for our next generation. But we cannot deny the connection of chronological changes that take place generation after generation. This is why we introduce our culture to our next generation, so that they can develop their own cultural identity without feelings of being rootless.

One of the strengths of USA is its diversity. We have to utilize the power of diversity and understand how it can enrich our community. In this country, so many current leaders, entrepreneurs, and writers are coming from second generation from the immigrants of different countries. Our children are very lucky by birth. Very easily they are getting familiar with two cultures of two different continents. This knowledge of cultures will enrich their adjustability, acceptability and wisdom. It is wisdom that makes us happy by eliminating our confusion. BABA is working hard for this purpose besides its other activities.
This year, we have organized four programs: Ekushe February, Picnic, Chand RRaat and musical concert. Our team also contributed BABA to be financially strong. I would like to thank all of you who encouraged us by praising our works. Our critics have also helped us to improve our quality. To me, it is an immense experience to work for the community. I wanted to set an example in front of my kids so that they will be encouraged to work for the community when they will grow up. Thanks to my family, EC and BOT members, volunteers, sponsors, and above all the Bangladeshi Community of Bay Area.

During the dawn of computer era, Asians from different counties have been rushing to USA as white color employees. USA is said to be a melting pot. Are these Asians being melted smoothly? It is definite that 1st generation, who directly came from Asia to USA, is bringing their own culture and test from back-home with them and their social lives are separated with each other under the name of Chinese Community, Indian Community, Bangladeshi Community and Pakistan Community. How about their children – the second generation?

I will focus on the lives of second generation from the descendant of different communities. USA is their meeting place and how they meet with each other. Is there any collusion, disputation or smooth blending? Obviously there will be no sharp digital answer – yea or no. Sometimes people from the same background face difficulties to meet each other smoothly. That’s why I’ll not point out the usual human sentiments which cause issues on our everyday meeting. I will investigate the point if the second generation of Asians carries the same legacy of their ancestors’ geographical conflict?

In Asia, India and Pakistan are always on tensed relationship. So does China and India. Bangladesh achieved its liberation by fighting against Pakistan. A first generation of Bangladeshi cannot forget his/her country’s war of liberation when he/she meets a Pakistani. Their cultures are different. On the other hand, Bangladesh and Pakistan are Two Muslim countries. Religion is another bonding. How much of these sentiments effect the second generation when they meet each other in USA?

The story will be told from the eyes of a 10 years old Bangladeshi origin boy, named Paris. His neighbors are Pakistani, Indian and Chinese. The Pakistani origin boy Osman is new in the neighborhood. Rohan, a boy from Indian origin, was Paris’s best friend before Paris met Osman. But when Osman has been added to the neighborhood, a new tension has been raised. At first there was a little collusion between two teenagers from Rohan and Osman’s families. Parents got involved in this dispute which made the incident worse. Pakistani family showed hot-tempered and argued against the Indian family. In return, Indian family called them terrorist. The word ‘terrorist’ carries a great legacy. Pakistanis are Muslim and nowadays there is a general perception about Muslims is they are terrorists. Especially India has been attacked by Muslim terrorists several times and these terrorists are trained in Pakistani soil. As a result of fact, Rohan and Osman are departed and cannot play together. Paris is in a difficult position. Rohan is his old best friend and Osman is his new best friend. He has to choose one. Somehow Paris feels closer to Osman. But the majority of the neighborhood is Indian origin dominated. If Paris picks Osman then he will be isolated and bullied by the other neighborhood children who are controlled by Rohan’s teenager brother. But Paris doesn’t feel like not to meet Osman regularly. Now all he wants is to solve the dispute among the neighbors so that they can meet each other without any legacy issues. Will he be able to do that?

The Story will be told from the eye of Paris’s point of view. He writes his journal every day. He will remember the old good time when everybody met and played together during playtime in the neighborhood. He will depict the bad time when they stop meeting and divided into groups. He will tell his ideas on getting the neighborhood back to its old good maritime when everybody can meet and play again.